by Jonty Cohen
There is some truth to this because rugby films have been few and far apart. But among this short list have been several great films about this great sport. Here are some films that should be on every rugby player’s watch list. Don’t forget here you can find the best NRL tips for this weekend even as you enjoy these great flicks.
Invictus (2005)
This film is the inspiring story of the South Africa national rugby team’s journey to winning the Rugby World Cup Final in 1995. The team was a symbol of the new South Africa after apartheid and carried the hopes of millions as the sign of new things to come. Some film critics were not entirely convinced of the suitability of Matt Damon as the great Francois Pienaar. But it is perhaps the biggest rugby film up to today.
Alive (1993)
This film is not a rugby action movie per se, but one of the greatest stories of survival. On 13 October 1972, the Uruguayan rugby team was flying from Montevideo to Santiago, Chile. Their plane went down in the Andes Mountains. There was no high-tech searching tech in those days, so the survivors remained without help for 72 days. This movie shows the great extent the rugby team and other survivors went to stay alive, including cannibalism.
Mercenary (2016)
A young man is recruited into a French rugby club, but soon finds that he does not quite make the cut because of his size. He must play in teams below his expectations to prove himself. This movie starred a real French rugby player (Toki Pilioko), who filmed while injured. Still, it has great rugby action scenes.
This Sporting Life (1963)
A young coal miner is recruited into a rugby club because of his aggressiveness, which he takes to the field and becomes an impressive player. However, his social life is not that great because he is still an unpolished country hick. Rugby becomes his outlet for these social frustrations. The brutal and aggressive rugby scenes in the film are quite captivating.
Sye (2004)
Rugby is not very popular in India, but this Bollywood movie attempted a take at the sport. The result is hilarious. Of course, the film has a heavy dose of the usual Bollywood exaggeration, but it is a light-hearted piece to watch.
The Brighton Miracle (2019)
Who would ever have imagined rugby minnows beating the mighty Springboks of South Africa? But upsets happen even in rugby. Japan pulled off this feat in the Rugby World Cup of 2015. This film follows the Sakura (Brave Blossoms) on their journey to beating the two times World Rugby Champions. It is a great tale of determination and self-confidence.
Jungle Cry (2020)
Jungle Cry is a feel-good movie on the power of sports to bring people to do good. It is a story of a small Indian rugby team (Jungle Cry), who go to the UK to take part in charity games for disadvantaged kids. The events were in 2007 and the charity event was organized by Tour Aid, the charity UK.
Murderball (2005)
Few people are aware of wheelchair rugby. This documentary highlights this Paralympic sport. It follows the US wheelchair rugby team as they prepare for the 2004 Paralympic games that were held in Greece. It is an eye-opener on the power of sport to make a positive impact on individual lives.
Oceans Apart: Greed, Betrayal and Pacific Island Rugby (2020)
Professional players are sometimes unfairly mistreated and taken advantage of, but the revelation of this malpractice in rugby was scandalous. This documentary tells the sad tale of exploitation of rugby players from the Pacific Islands. It featured big name rugby players from these islands. The film caused a stir in the rugby world and sparked debate on changes needed to the sport.
Building Jerusalem (2015)
This documentary by award-winning director James Erskine follows what it takes to become World rugby champions. It follows the English team on their journey to taking the Rugby World Cup Final in 2003, and their epic triumph over bitter rivals Australia.
The Story of Rugby (2019)
What is the impact of rugby in people’s lives? This documentary highlights the story of rugby players and fans. It tells of the growth of the sport around the world, and the events that have shaped it. The documentary was part of the preparations of the Rugby World Cup in 2019.
Are you a rugby fan? Add these great films and documentaries to your watch list this weekend. They are great entertainment and you will know more about your favorite sport.
“This Sporting Life” – 95% on Rotten Tomatoes with a string of awards, stars greats, Richard Harris and Rachel Roberts. A film based on the success of English RUGBY LEAGUE club Wakefield Trinity whose players’ became household names throughout England in the early sixties. It is a reflection of life and class mentality in northern England (which brought about the creation of the break-away game of Rugby League from traditional Rugby Union more than 120 years ago. Harris’ character, one of thousands of frustrated coal-miners in Yorkshire in the sixty’s, despises and questions the glory afforded a Trinity player in a nightclub over other hard working Yorkshire-men in the same town. His confidently aggressive behaviour draws the attention of team owners and he is offered an opportunity to prove himself on the field. This is where the story delivers; The challenge to succeed on the Rugby League field calls on a strength of character in a manner that reflects life for the people of Northern England and proves that toughness is not just a physical quality or exclusive to men. There is no tangible reward. There is a knowing and understanding within, that this is life for these folks. This is their lot.